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#LibrariesRule

4 posts2 participants0 posts today
Public
DoomsdaysCW

[Video] Some #NJ libraries now offer a ‘#LibraryOfThings’

February 2024

Excerpt: "[W]e're used to checking out a trove of books when we head to the library.

"But visit a local branch and you'll find you can take out so much more.

"Libraries of things are the new trend where card holders can check out a range of goods from small appliances to a power washer.

"A little something for everyone.

Ted Goldberg has the story.

We have a power washer.

Who would have thought you could borrow a power washer from a public library?

"The #HobokenPublicLibrary has books.

"But you probably knew that there were other stuff might surprise you.

"We have everything from an OG Sega Genesis video game to one of our very popular items, electric knife sharpener.

"Their library of things has all sorts of inventory that might come in handy, like a stud finder or a cornhole set."

pbs.org/video/new-jersey-libra

www.pbs.orgNJ Spotlight News | Some NJ libraries now offer a ‘library of things’ | Season 2024Power washers, knife sharpeners, snowshoes and more
#SolarPunkSunday#HobokenNJ#LibrariesOfThings
Public
DoomsdaysCW

#PelhamAlabama - Pelham Public #Library introduces Library of Things

Published 3:04 pm Monday, April 28, 2025
By Dave Domescik

"The Pelham Public Library is offering a new option for patrons who are looking for something other than a new book to read.

"The Library of Things, introduced in April, is available for adult patrons in good standing who have no overdue or lost items and no fines over $10. A Facebook post described some of the items available to patrons.

" 'Need a tool for a quick fix? Want to pump up balloons for a party? Planning a game night? Need a Chromebook or mobile hotspot for work or school? We’ve got you covered,' the post read.

"The new project encourages resource sharing and sustainability, helping the Pelham community save money and reduce waste by providing items like board games, STEM kits, tool sets and tech items. The Library of Things display is near the front desk of the Pelham Public Library on the first floor. Patrons can pick up the display case of the desired item and bring it to the Circulation Desk, where a staff member will then retrieve the real item from the storage shelf in the library.

"Melanie Carden, Pelham Public Library’s library supervisor, explained that the inspiration to launch the Library of Things came from public libraries across the country offering a similar option. These libraries could include anything from tools, electronics, recreational equipment and more.

" 'After looking around at some items we already owned at Pelham Public Library, we wanted to jump on the bandwagon,' Carden said. 'It all started with our #BoardGames. Our large collection of board games was previously used for game nights and events at the library in years past, but attendance had since tapered off. Our solution was to allow patrons to enjoy these items in the comfort of their own home.'

"More than 80 items in the Library of Things were already previously owned by the Pelham Public Library, but donations to the new entity are encouraged.

" 'We hope that our Library of Things, much like our regular library collection, promotes #sustainability by encouraging sharing and the ability to try items before you buy,' Carden said. 'If you need a tool set for a one-time project, we have one for you. If you have friends coming over for game night but don’t want to spend a lot of money on new games, you can put a game on hold to pick up before the event.'

"According to Carden, the Library of Things is based on the 'lend instead of buy' principle and reduces the environmental impact of #OverConsumption. Furthermore, the new option promotes community belonging and mutual learning. Carden briefly described some of the most popular and unique items currently available at the Library of Things.

" 'Our most popular items so far have been the kid-friendly board games, such as Battleship, Guess Who? and Candyland,' Carden said. 'The unique items range from a floppy disk reader to a portable electric balloon pump.'

"To browse the collection in the Library of Things, visit Tinyurl.com/PelhamLOT. Those interested in donating to the Library of Things can email Carden at mcarden@pelhamalabama.gov or call the library at 205-620-6418."

shelbycountyreporter.com/2025/

Archived version:
archive.ph/YYHWy

Shelby County Reporter · Pelham Public Library introduces Library of Things - Shelby County ReporterThe Pelham Public Library is offering a new option for patrons who are looking for something other than a new book to read.
#SolarPunkSunday#LibraryOfThings#LibrariesRule
Public
KatLS

I’m loving this small, concise book. Small and mighty it is. Packed with scholarship.

The struggle is the same for over 400 years. On one hand, we downstairs-ers have survived and built some cool stuff. On the other hand, how much of it is just a bigger, faster funnel of our blood, sweat, and life to the upstairs-ers? Is the juice worth the squeeze?

#history #economics #resistance #JoannaBrooks
#americanhistory
#EnglishHistory
#immigration
#colonialism
#AntiFascist
#LibrariesRule

The cover of a book: a close up of a dulcimer with typography in a box on the upper right that says “Why We Left”; another box on the lower left says: “Untold Stories of America’s FIRST Immigrants”. The author’s name, Joanna Brooks, is in the lower left corner.
Public
DoomsdaysCW

#Colorado - #Libraries and the ‘economy of sharing’

An ode to the palace of the people

By Kaylee Harter - Apr. 9, 2025

"Visit one of BPL’s #makerspaces, a feature that’s become a staple in many libraries, and you can use #3DPrinters, #looms, #LaserCutters, #ScreenPrinting equipment and more.

" 'It’s a collaborative learning environment,' Farnan says. 'We’re learning together. If you were to go into the makerspace today and ask, like, ‘I’m thinking about doing this,’ then they would say, ‘I don’t know how to do that, but let’s figure it out.’

" 'That is inherently resilient.'

"He recalls a blind artist who came in with a unique challenge: 'She wanted to be able to see her drawings.'

" 'They worked with her with 3D printers, with the laser cutters and that kind of thing, in order to transfer her drawings into dimensional objects, because they were abstractions, so that she could then see them with her fingers.'

"Despite the always expanding array of programming and services, the books themselves — and literacy for all ages — are ever important."

boulderweekly.com/special-edit

Boulder Weekly · Libraries and the 'economy of sharing' - Boulder WeeklyLibraries are "that safe place,” says Jon Solomon, director of Longmont's library. “If you’re feeling attacked, that’s what we’re here for.”
#SharingEconomy#CircularEconomy#LibrariesRule
Public
DoomsdaysCW

#WatertownMA - Watertown's "#LibraryOfThings" offers creative #community #workspace. Here's a look inside.

Story by Jordyn Jagolinzer

"The library in Watertown, Massachusetts is providing the tools and a space for people to get creative and learn new skills.

" 'A lot of libraries have started a 'library of things' collection, but they don't have necessarily a space to allow people to just make and create and build community,' Watertown Public Library director Kim Hewitt said. 'We have a big Hatch-maker space and that was one of the first in the area.'

"The 'Hatch' facility on Summer Street is right around the block from the main library. The workshop is stocked with tools, materials and expertise for everyone to learn in a venue that fosters #creativity.

"We have scraps of material to play around with, the #SewingMachines, or create something, #JewelryMaking. It doesn't have to be prescriptive. You can go there and see what appeals to you," Hewitt said.

"The #Hatchspace is a standout amongst similar programs in Massachusetts, and it just celebrated it's tenth birthday. It has #ButtonMakers, #LaserCutters, and even #3DPrinters.

"Talented expert volunteers are on hand to assist patrons with their projects, which is how Seth Deitch first started making things in the space.

" 'We're very lucky to have the people that we have who volunteer here. Many of them are extremely talented. Lots of people with advanced degrees,' Deitch said.

"Hatch also offers workshops that more and more people in the community are getting involved in.

" 'It's nice having a space for the entire community that's free to come to and work at,' Deitch said. 'Nowadays, people spend a lot of their time staring at screens, not enough working with their hands.'

"The best part is, anyone in the state can get in on the fun.

" 'As long as you're a #Massachusetts resident, you can get a library card at the #WatertownPubliclibrary,' said Ran Cronin, the library's access services supervisor.

"The library is hoping to expand the Hatch space. It also has one of the largest English language-learning programs, called #ProjectLiteracy, which serves 900 students per year."

Source:
msn.com/en-us/news/us/watertow

www.msn.comMSN
#CommunitySpaces#LibrariesRule#SolarPunkSunday
Public *
DoomsdaysCW

So yeah. This REALLY pisses me off! I have friends who work for the #MaineStateLibrary. Grrrrr....

Maine State Library issues layoffs, cites inability to access federal funding
The Maine State Library announced Wednesday 13 staff members, whose positions are supported by federal funding, were laid off.

April 9, 2025

"The Maine State Library announced layoffs on Wednesday, citing an ongoing inability to access federal funding.

"The announcement comes after President Donald #Trump signed an executive order in March deeming the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) 'unnecessary' and slated to be dismantled, later placing the entire agency's staff on administrative leave.

"The Maine State Library said in a news release that IMLS funding represents 30 percent of its annual budget and has not received any communication from IMLS on if or when funding might be restored.

"The state library said it last received funds from its 2025 federal award advance through the IMLS on March 24.

"Thirteen employees whose positions are supported by federal funding have been laid off, the state library said. Those employees represent approximately 30 percent of Maine State Library staff.

"The Maine State Library said the layoffs could be rescinded if funding is restored.

"Starting on Thursday, the Maine State Library will close for a two-week reorganization period where its location at 242 State St. in Augusta will not be open to the public.

"'Losing access to this Federal funding harms Maine residents and will have negative consequences in communities across the state," Maine State Librarian #LoriFisher said in the release. 'Despite these significant cuts, the Maine State Library remains committed to advancing the mission of libraries in Maine and to serving every library patron to the best of our ability.'

"In 2024, the Maine State Library says it received $1,526,754 from the #IMLS Library Services and Technology Act Grants to States program which supports services including #HighSpeedInternet for public libraries; #InterlibraryLoans, #EBooks, and #audiobooks; services for #VisuallyImpaired patrons; and professional development for library staff.

"The library says it is continuing to evaluate the range of impacts on library services from the funding cuts and hopes to provide further updates as they become available.

"Following Trump's executive order, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey joined 20 other attorneys general in a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration from dismantling a handful of agencies, including the IMLS."

Read more:
newscentermaine.com/article/ne

WCSH · Maine State Library issues layoffs, cites inability to access federal fundingBy NEWS CENTER Maine Staff
#Libraries#LibrariesRule#LibraryOfThings
Replied to DoomsdaysCW
Public
INTENTIONALLY blank

@DoomsdaysCW

Many libraries in metro areas in the Southwestern US have:

Citizen Science Kits
Stuff-braries (knitting looms, knitting kits, gardening kits, bakeware, tools, hiking gear, etc)
Seed Libraries
Maker spaces (sewing machines, laser cutters, podcast studios, music/sound equipment
Free online learning databases
Free Streaming Video Services
Free music streaming services
And, of course, books, magazines, DVDs and CDs.

These are all great for reducing consumption, continuing education, and a host of other activities.

But, if we don't use them, we lose them, so please get a library card and use it. Buy or donate books to/from a Friends program (the non-profit arm of the library that gathers funding and resources for many programs).

#LibrariesRule#Librarian
Public
DoomsdaysCW

#Tennessee: #NashvillePublicLibrary, #Goodlettsville Branch

Spring #PlantSwap / #SeedExchange

When: Saturday, April 5, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Goodlettsville

Description: "Do you have too many seeds, seedlings, or plants? Bring your extras and share with the community. Don't forget to checkout seeds from our Seed Exchange!"

Contact: Goodlettsville (615) 862-5862
events.library.nashville.org/c
#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #SeedSwap #SeedSharing #PlantSwap #BuildingCommunity #Gardening

Bedework EventsSpring Plant SwapDo you have too many seeds, seedlings, or plants? Bring your extras and share with the community. Don't forget to checkout seeds from our Seed Exchange!
Public
DoomsdaysCW

#Tennessee: #NashvillePublicLibrary, Green Hills Branch

Vegetable #ContainerGardening
When: Thursday, April 3, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Green Hills

Description: "Learn how growing plants in containers can expand your gardening options! Discover you can easily and successfully grow a variety of vegetables, flowers, and fruits in containers as varied as pots, tires and satellite dishes."

Contact: Green Hills (615) 862-5863

events.library.nashville.org/c
#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #VegetableGardening #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #Gardening

Bedework EventsVegetable Container GardeningLearn how growing plants in containers can expand your gardening options! Discover you can easily and successfully grow a variety of vegetables, flowers, and fruits in containers as varied as pots, tires and satellite dishes.
Public
DoomsdaysCW

#Tennessee: #NashvillePublicLibrary #SeedExchange

"The Seed Exchange offers access to local librarians who will support, coach, and cheer you on as you grow your own home, school, church, or community garden. The best part about our Seed Exchange: it’s free! All you need is a library card."

Borrow Seeds

"Use your library card to borrow vegetable, herb, and flower seeds at Main Library and select branches. Find a Seed Exchange location near you. Borrowing seeds is free. All you need is a Nashville Public Library card."

Grow Plants

"NPL’s Seed Exchange offers access to local librarians who will support, coach and cheer you on as you grow your own home, school, church or community garden. We’re also working with local farmers, gardeners and community agencies to offer free gardening workshops throughout the year."

Return Seeds

"Once the season is over, harvest seeds from your garden and return them to the library. We ask that you follow certain protocol when harvesting seeds to share with the Seed Exchange. We want people who take seed to get what was on the label and we want to protect from passing on disease.

"Additionally, we are always looking for #OpenPollinated, #HeirloomSeeds from anyone in the community who is willing to share, a little or a lot.

"Our Seed Protocol [linked below] includes guidelines for properly saving and preparing seeds to share."

library.nashville.org/events/s

Seed protocol:
library.nashville.org/about/po
#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #BuildingCommunity #Gardening

Nashville Public LibrarySeed Exchange
Public
DoomsdaysCW

#Tennessee: #LibraryOfThings at the #NashvillePublicLibrary

"Why buy when you can borrow? The Library of Things features an array of useful items—including activities and games, health and fitness equipment, tools and electronics, food and party items, crafts and hobbies, and musical instruments—that you can borrow for free for up to 3 weeks."

Items include: Guitars, keyboards, ukuleles, and other musical instruments, radon detectors, baking supplies, tool kits, board games, fitness and sports equipment, and craft and hobby items.

FMI: library.nashville.org/services
#LibrariesRule #Libraries #LibrariesOfThings #SharingEconomy #SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #Degrowth #CircularEconomy

Nashville Public LibraryLibrary of Things
Public
DoomsdaysCW

#Michigan: #LibraryOfThings

"Welcome to a new era of borrowing at the #WestlandPublicLibrary—where you can borrow experiences, hobbies, and tools just as easily as you borrow books.

What is the Library of Things?

"The Library of Things allows you to borrow physical objects for use at home or on the go. You now have access to a diverse collection of items that cater to your curiosity and interests. From tools to help your next household project to craft kits that awaken your artistic side, our collection is designed to inspire and enrich your life."

Who can check out Library of Things items?

"Library of Things items can be checked out by Westland residents age 18 and older."

Borrowing limits

"Eligible patrons may borrow a maximum of two items at any given time. Library of Things items have a two week loan period and cannot be renewed."

Items include: Board games, puzzles, sports equipment, outdoor recreation, tech accessories, digital tools, audio equipment, arts and crafts, gardening, ghost hunting, outdoor exploration, cooking and baking equipment, cleaning and organizing equipment, event supplies, hand tools, automotive tools, measurement and precision tools, and more!

FMI:
westlandlibrary.org/featured-c
#LibrariesRule #Libraries #LibrariesOfThings #SharingEconomy #SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #Degrowth #CircularEconomy

westlandlibrary.orgLibrary of Things – Westland Public Library
Public
DoomsdaysCW

#Missouri: #JoplinMO #PublicLibrary Shares Spring Ideas of Books and Things

by: Wendi Douglas

Posted: Mar 10, 2025 / 04:41 PM CDT

"SPRING" LIBRARY RESOURCES - Cleaning/Organizing, Gardening & Donating!

SPRING CLEANING

"With Spring around the corner, Joplin Public Library can help you get your home and garden prepped for the new season!

"Spring is the time to tackle the cleaning and repairing you've put off all winter. Check out a book on decluttering, a complete guide to cleaning the whole house, or handy hints on storage, repairs, and maintenance.

"Need a tool for spring cleaning? Check out the #LibraryOfThings for a professional carpet cleaner, a household tool kit, or a dryer vent cleaning system.

"Just need something to listen to while you clean? Libby and hoopla have great audiobooks you can stream from your devices!

SPRING GARDENING

"If you have a garden you want to get ready for Spring, you'll want to be certain to use Library resources as well!

"The annual plant swap on March 29 is a great place to meet fellow plant lovers and get new plants, cuttings, and seeds!

"Browse the book selection for instructions on vegetable gardening, flower gardening and more. If you're more of a visual learning, stream Great Courses How to Grow Anything on Kanopy using your JPL card!

"Just dipping your toes into gardening? Check out our gardening set from the Library of Things and try before you buy!

DONATIONS ACCEPTED

"Also, if you`re decluttering and wondering where to go with your gently used books, movies, and magazines. Bring them to the Library.

"The Joplin Public Library accepts donations of GENTLY USED books, DVDs, CDs and recent issues of popular magazines. As part of their volunteer duties, Friends of the Joplin Public Library manage the donated items and the sale shelf. Funds raised will help to support the Friends in their mission of enhancing and supporting the Library. They would love to have your items to sell."

fourstateshomepage.com/news/li

For details: Joplin Public Library | www.joplinpubliclibrary.org/

#LibrariesRule#Libraries#LibrariesOfThings
Public
DoomsdaysCW

#Florida: Donations wanted for #OrlandoFL and #JacksonvilleFL #LibraryOfThings!

"The #CenterForBiologicalDiversity fights not only to protect wildlife and wild lands in Florida but also to address the underlying causes of the extinction crisis, including the excessive production and consumption of new products.

"That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re working with #Shareable and other partners to establish Library of Things pilot projects in Orlando and Jacksonville.

"A Library of Things is a shared community resource where useful items can be borrowed just like books that are in circulation for years, reducing the demand to produce new goods that destroy habitat, generate greenhouse gases, create pollution, and harm wildlife.

"Sharing also disrupts the current U.S. economic model that demands endless growth through the constant purchasing of new things. It challenges the traditional consumerist mindset that drives overproduction and leads to items getting thrown away after only a few uses.

"You can support this effort by donating items from the library’s wish lists. Whether it's a bicycle repair kit for someone who bikes for transportation, kitchen items for a new university student, or a generator for emergency preparedness, every item counts. By donating, you’ll help neighbors save money and push back against the culture of consumerism.

Here's how it works

"The Jacksonville Library of Things pilot, located at University of North Florida dormitories, is looking for donations of board games, kitchen items, phone chargers and tools to be used by students living in the dorms, based on a needs assessment conducted with students in partnership with the University.

"The Central Florida Tool Library (serving Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties) is seeking donations related to disaster preparation and response, as well as home repair and maintenance. These items were identified based on conversations between community members and our partner, #CentralFloridaMutualAid.

"Each wish list notes whether the item can be gently used or refurbished or must be new. (Certain products must be new for the libraries to ensure they meet safety and fire code standards. But purchasing these items once to be shared among the community prevents each future borrower from buying more.)

"Links to secondhand and refurbished sites are included where possible. The wish lists also provide a desired quantity of each item. Once the maximum number of items is claimed, you’ll see the request has been fulfilled. The mailing address to send the products for inclusion in the Library of Things can be found in the wish list."

Original article:
biologicaldiversity.org/progra

#CentralFlorida #ToolLibrary Wishlist:
sokindregistry.org/registry/CF

Jacksonville Library of Things Wishlist:
sokindregistry.org/registry/Ja
#LibrariesRule #Libraries #LibrariesOfThings #SharingEconomy #SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #Degrowth #CircularEconomy #LibraryOfThings

Public *
DoomsdaysCW

#UK: New #LibraryOfThings offers help in #ToughTimes'

Ben Mellor, 8 March 2025

"A new Library of Things will 'reduce waste' and help people struggling for money, organisers say.

"It will operate from #BeestonLibrary in #Nottinghamshire and open in the coming weeks, although an exact date has not yet been set.

"The service will allow people to borrow #HouseholdItems, rather than books, such as carpet cleaners, sewing machines, and children's party sets.

"Fiona Hartley, an organiser, said: 'These are typically things that might be a bit more expensive, and then you only use them once or twice, and then they sit in your cupboard unused.'

"She said times were tough at the moment and "this is just something that helps people save a bit of money and a bit of space in their homes".

"The project has received funding from the Beeston Civic Society and Broxtowe Borough Council to help with the purchase of items - totalling £1,500.

"This money will be spent on purchasing supplies and items to stock the library.

"Ms Hartley said there was a 'growing movement' behind Libraries of Things nationwide. Similar projects have been set up across the wider #EastMidlands.

"Peter Cribb, the district manager at Inspire, which runs Beeston Library, said he was 'excited at the potential'.

"'It's not something we've done before, you know we do loan out non-book items, but they're on a one-off basis,' he said.

"When the service starts, people will use an app to book an item they wish to use. Library staff will then retrieve the item.

"The maintenance of the items and the app will be operated and paid for by the volunteer groups, Mr Cribb said, and the library's role is to act as storage.

"Karrie Stainer is the chairwoman of the volunteers and said she first had the idea for the Library of Things over one year ago.

"However, she struggled to secure funding for the project until recently.

"'The underlying motivation really comes from #environmental issues, not being wasteful of stuff, not throwing stuff away,' she said."

Source:
bbc.com/news/articles/c5y4pyl7
#LibrariesRule #Libraries #LibrariesOfThings #SharingEconomy #SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #Degrowth #CircularEconomy

www.bbc.comNew Library of Things in Beeston offers help in 'tough times'The service will allow people to borrow household items such as carpet cleaners and sewing machines.
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